Another project is a $130 million plant proposed in Plainfield to burn wood and construction and demolition waste using a similar process.

"Our project will not only provide clean, renewable energy for Connecticut consumers, but a portion of our fuel will come from recycling the clean wood component of construction and demolition material, which is a real economic and environmental benefit," said Daniel Donovan, managing member of NuPower LLC, which is proposing the Plainfield plant.

The project has been criticized by some environmental groups, who worry about whether the plant would endanger public health by burning construction debris laced with arsenic, lead and other toxins.

"We are very displeased. Our cancer rates are among the highest in the country. This is something Connecticut should not be approving," she said.

State statutes prohibit the burning of construction and demolition waste, according to the DPUC. However, the plant is exempt from that rule because it received funding before May 1, 2006, from the Renewable Energy Investment Fund.

The other two recommended green-energy projects are a proposal for a plant powered by landfill gas in the South Norwalk section of Norwalk, and a small biomass facility proposed for East Canaan section of North Canaan.